FDA approves highly anticipated COPD medication

The Food and Drug Administration has officially approved Breo Ellipta, a much-anticipated new treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The inhaled drug was developed by GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance, and is touted as the first once-daily maintenance treatment for COPD.

Breo Ellipta reduces lung inflammation and helps relax airway muscles. It is approved to reduce exacerbations among COPD patients with a history of exacerbations. Trials have indicated that Breo Ellipta may cause fewer serious side effects than other COPD drugs.

“The FDA approval of Breo Ellipta brings an important inhaled, once-daily maintenance therapeutic option to COPD patients and doctors across the United States,” said Rick E. Winningham, CEO of Theravance. “After more than a decade of joint respiratory research and development, the approval is a very important milestone for Theravance and GSK.”

Some analysts predict Breo Ellipta could result in as much as $4 billion annually for the two pharmaceutical companies behind it. The treatment is expected to be available by the third quarter of 2013.

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